Images(2)

Molineaux (Tom Molineaux)

Date1811

Printer John Wheble

Engraver John Emery

Subject Tom Molineaux (1784 - 1818)

OriginEngland, London

MediumEtching and line engraving with hand coloring.

DimensionsOverall: 7 1/2 × 5in. (19.1 × 12.7cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund

Object number2023-80

DescriptionLower margin reads: "Molineaux/ Drawn by J. Emery./ Pub. Feb.y 1.st 1811 by J. Wheble.18.Warwick Square London."
Label TextTom Molineaux (1784-1818) was a boxing champion born into enslavement, possibly in Georgetown (then a part of Maryland) or Virginia. He is thought to be the first American prizefighter. He was trained as a young boy by his father in the brutal, and sometimes deadly, sport of bare-knuckle boxing. In America, enslavers placed wagers on enslaved fighters, sometimes promising them their freedom and winnings. As the result of a successful match, Molineaux won his freedom and used his prize money to move to England where he became a celebrity in the boxing circuit. He was trained by Bill Richmond, a formerly enslaved champion prizefighter who was born in America but lived most his life in England, Bill Richmond who recognized Molineaux’s talent and skill. This print was published around the time of one of his most famous fights, a controversial 35-round bout against white boxer Tom Cribb in which Molineaux was defeated, though many believed he was robbed of the chance. Their famous rematch, later in 1811, resulted in a loss for Molineaux. The famous matches inspired engravings depicting the fight, portraits of Molineaux, and ceramic figures of his likeness. This print, published in 'The Sporting Magazine,' was the source of a transferware jug created to commemorate his famous matches with Cribb. Despite the defeat, his talent and fame resulted in a successful career that carried on for a few years, but ill-health and alcoholism resulted in his death in 1818 at the age of 34.
ProvenanceUntil 2023 (Robert Hunter Antiques, Williamsburg VA); 2023-present, purchased by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).